Sports reporter twists truth on NFL boycott, Colin Kaepernick

I am amazed so many sports writers are card-carrying leftists, but I believe I know the reason. Since so much of the political left is dominated by self-proclaimed intellectuals, especially within the halls of higher learning, sports writers, sensitive lest they be viewed as a bunch of dumb jock-worshipers, thus gravitate to the misguided left, whom they regard as their intellectual superiors and whom they seek to emulate.

Sports reporter Tom Dombeck is no exception, twisting the truth to demonstrate his leftist intellectual authenticity. His latest screed ("NFL boycott over treatment of Kaepernick working," Sept. 18 issue) argues NFL television ratings are down because of fans boycotting televised games in support of Colin Kaepernick, whom the boycotters believe has been mistreated by NFL corporate bosses.

The truth, however, is just the opposite. In fact, the decline of NFL television ratings is due, significantly, to the anger of a viewing public that is sick and tired of overpaid, pampered professional athletes like Kaepernick and others, shedding alligator tears in support of “persecuted minorities.” Fans are disgusted with this self-righteous and disingenuous display of “solidarity.”

This juvenile misbehavior has even gravitated to the playing field during games (Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett making a black power salute following a sack), thus further alienating fans. And, it won’t be Kaepernick-loving people on the political left who are alienated. They are not fans.

Leftists have, for years, condemned football in general and the NFL in particular, because of the financial success of this capitalist sports juggernaut. They also resent football’s overt masculinity, disdained by feminists determined to eliminate from society every trace of masculinity.

Dombeck’s view is another example of the bizzaro world inhabited by many sports writers so desperate to demonstrate their intellectual solidarity with the political left that they will resort to outright falsehood.

Don Zimmer
Manitowoc

Tax code should put working families first

President Trump’s next goal is a huge tax cut, most of which will benefit the wealthiest Americans (reductions in Individual income tax, corporate income tax and elimination of the estate tax).

These proposed tax reductions come at a time when we cannot afford less revenue. Consider the billions of dollars needed to help people and cities recover from hurricanes and floods, rebuilding our infrastructure and paying for the military build-up in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

One wealthy American with a deep social conscience has this to say: ”My name is Nick Hanaeur and I’m filthy rich. I’m not a 1 percenter. I’m a 0.001 percenter. I was one of the first investors in Amazon.com. I’ve sold other companies for billions of dollars and now my friends and I own a bank. So you might be surprised that I’m starting a petition to say it would be criminally stupid for Congress to give rich guys like me another tax cut.”

About trickle-down economics, he says: “Everyone knows the biggest lie in economics is that tax cuts for the rich create growth and jobs. The truth is taxes on the rich don’t need to be 'reformed,' they need to be raised. It’s investment in the middle class that makes our country grow."

Mr. Hanauer continues: ”Our democracy and economy are being ripped apart by growing inequality. I need you to help me fight for a tax code that puts working families back at the center of the economy. Another round of tax breaks for people like me will undermine our commitment to what really makes our country stronger — Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, public education, infrastructure investments, research and development — and make it possible for the middle class to fulfill their function as the true job creators."

If you agree with Nick Hanauer, Google his name and sign his petition.

Change must come from people like us.

Darlene Wellner
Manitowoc

Do we want 'tax slavery' or 'wage slavery'?

I’ve heard from some lawmakers and legislators (usually Republicans) that increasing taxes and assuring payment for necessary needs like roads and schools place us in a position of “tax slavery” and somehow reduces our freedom. I can understand the concept and empathize with the burden of taxes.

One of the values instilled upon me from my parents was the ability to discern the difference between needs and wants. One has to be met, the other is optional. So, it puzzles me how these lawmakers, the ones who espouse balanced budgets, continue to kick the can down the road for the needs of our state and country.

These are the same people who want to reduce your Social Security benefits, cut Medicare and Medicaid, and give full control of health care to the insurance and pharmaceutical companies that paid them to obtain their office.

The bribery of our legislators is now more blatant and obvious than ever. Republicans have been fighting at all levels to obtain more graft and anonymous funneling of money from vested interests. They create legislation that moves money away from the needs we all have to profit those who bribe them.

The most blatant recent example was a golf club owner who donated $60,000 to the GOP and received a $4 million gift for airport improvements near his club.

The list of graft payments is so endless people have become jaded when it’s discovered. It used to be a lawmaker would lose his job in disgrace if pay for play was exposed.

So, what do you want? Tax slavery to cover your needs with a tax code that closes loopholes for jets and yachts, making everyone fairly pay? Or wage slavery that allows the 1 percent to prosper while you earn almost enough to pay for groceries, barely enough for daycare, and nothing left when your body is so old you just cannot work anymore? I don’t call that freedom.

Corporate taxes in the U.S. and Wisconsin are lower than they have ever been. Taxes on the 1 percent are lower than they have ever been. Think about that when your kid comes home with the next fundraiser for things their school needs. How much bakery did you have to buy to bomb Iraq?